Massage & Soft Tissue Therapy

Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy in Leichhardt, Sydney

At Movement Laboratory Physiotherapy, massage therapy can be an effective aid in your treatment pathway, and work well on its own, or in conjunction with Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates classes. Massage Therapy for healing is a scientific manipulation of soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes. It benefits everyone.

Movement Laboratory offers physio massage therapy in Sydney as an effective treatment pathway for athletes, pregnant women, and individuals experiencing musculoskeletal tension and injuries. 

Our Sydney Massage Therapists hold a Diploma in Remedial Massage Therapy and have over 10 years of experience in the industry working in a clinical setting. We have an active approach to rehabilitation. All treatment modalities work together to create a holistic pathway to improve our health and wellbeing.

Remedial Massage | Deep Tissue Massage | Pregnancy Massage | Head and Relaxation Massage

Our Sydney Massage Treatments in Physio Clinic

Remedial Massage uses different techniques to reduce muscular pain and help with rehabilitation. When muscles are tense, strained, torn, or have tendon damage, remedial massage uses long strokes, kneading, deep tissue, and rubbing to trace back to its origin and help increase blood flow to the tissues. It is an excellent tool to help manage chronic pain and tension caused by compromised posture and poor movement patterns.

Pressure: Medium to Firm
Technique: Oil massage, Long Strokes, Kneading, Deep tissue, Trigger point release, Stretching, Myofascial release

Deep tissue massage aims to release chronic tension in deeper layers of your muscle tissue. It is firmer than Remedial Massage and focuses on releasing specific areas of tension. It is great for acute injuries, injury prevention and sports performance.

Pressure: Firm
Technique: Kneading, Deep finger pressure, Trigger point release, Stretching, Myofascial release

Our massage therapists and Women’s Health Physio work together closely to provide care to our expectant mamas. We are experts in treating pelvic girdle pain and reduce pelvic tension in preparation for birth.

Pregnancy massage is great for conditions such as pubic symphysis pain, lateral hip pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and other common musculoskeletal issues such as neck and shoulder pain, and lower back pain. It helps to reduce peripheral swelling, prevent muscle cramps, restless legs, and insomnia! You will feel pampered and lighter after your massage!

If there is pain that requires physio attention, you will be referred to see our team of Women’s Health Physio for more specific treatment.

Pressure: Medium to Firm
Technique: Oil massage, kneading, deep tissue, stretching, myofascial release, long strokes

Indian head massages combine relaxation and therapeutic massage techniques to reduce mental stress and anxiety, as well as physical tension around the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. Also known as a Champissage, this type of massage therapy is based on manipulating acupressure points to release tension. 

Pressure: Soft to Medium
Technique: Trigger Point, Cranial Sacral therapy, Myofascial release, long strokes, kneading

Massage Therapy can be an effective aid in your treatment pathway, and work well on its own, or in conjunction with Physiotherapy and Clinical Pilates services.

What to expect during a massage session at Movement Lab

When booking in to see our Sydney massage therapists, you will be sent a form to tell us all your body concerns, pains, aches, movement background, or any relevant information that you would like us to know prior to seeing you.

Our massage therapists are trained in multiple massage techniques, and can work closely with you to understand what you are after. Therefore the more you tell us, the better we can tailor your session to your needs.

You will be given some home exercises after your session to help prolong treatment outcome and promote healing.

Massage Techniques at Movement Laboratory

Remedial Massage
Sports Massage
Pregnancy / Antenatal Massage
Myofascial Release
Deep Tissue Therapy
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
Muscle Energy Technique
Trigger Point Therapy
Head and Cranial Massage

Common Conditions we treat with Physio Massage Therapy

Muscle strain and tension
Tendinopathy
Lower back pain
Tennis Elbow
Migraine and Tension headaches
Postural fatigue
Plantar Fasciitis
Rotator Cuff Injury
Sciatica
Frozen Shoulder

Are you ready to get started on your recovery journey?

Booking Online is the most convenient way to lock in the location, practitioner & time that suits.

Movement Laboratory

Awards & Memberships

5.0
Based on 176 reviews
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Laura Watts profile picture
Laura Watts
1 month ago
Jacinta Maxwell of Papaya Clinic is a warm, empathetic practitioner who I would strongly recommend. She provided me with accommodations to assist with my anxiety around physical exams (e.g. fidget toys and dim lights). She is a good listener and dedicated our first session to focusing on a comprehensive overview of my history, and provided a realistic treatment plan focused on treating my whole body rather than just one issue. She clearly has experience in supporting those managing complex and chronic health conditions. My experience interacting with Papaya Clinic systems and briefly with other staff has been exemplary - they utilise intuitive, user friendly systems and are quick to respond/follow-up. Could not recommend more highly!
Nasim Patel profile picture
Nasim Patel
1 month ago
I went to see Alex May for ongoing shoulder pain. In my three sessions, Alex was friendly, attentive, and comprehensive in his treatment. He gave useful resources, answered all of my questions in detail, and helped me understand what was causing my pain and how to manage it. Highly recommend! Thanks to Alex and the team
Brigid McLaughlin profile picture
Brigid McLaughlin
2 months ago
Thankyou Alex, Lisa and all the team at Movement Laboratory I am always impressed by the services and professionalism in all the team. Whilst recovering from a chronic disease all the team have played an enormous part in rebuilding my strength and mobility for a bigger and better future. Sincere thanks Brigid
macgivor M profile picture
macgivor M
2 months ago
Fantastic physio! I hurt my back badly and they were able to see me on very short notice. Jacob was very helpful and professional, and I've seen rapid recovery following his guidance. Highly recommended.
Lucy Sharman profile picture
Lucy Sharman
3 months ago
I have been seeing Alex for remedial massage since January to treat chronic neck, shoulder and upper back tension, headaches and migraine, having been to many different physios and osteopaths over the years. This is the first time I have had consistent relief and obvious improvement from treatment. My headaches have significantly decreased in frequency and I’m feeling a great reduction of tension in my upper body. Alex makes me feel comfortable and relaxed during treatment. I would highly recommend him as a therapist.
Maritsa Macpherson profile picture
Maritsa Macpherson
3 months ago
First session with Alex May, myofascial therapist at Movement Laboratory and it was firm but gentle. Alex knows muscles and pain and how to release tension without causing more pain. I left feeling taller and more relaxed. Can’t wait to see him again for more painless relief.
Gordon McBean profile picture
Gordon McBean
3 months ago
Emily has been a fantastic physio. Calm, methodical, compassionate and knowledgeable. She has provided a clear treatment plan that has helped me get moving again after some complex health challenges. Would highly recommend.
Daniela Falecki profile picture
Daniela Falecki
3 months ago
I’d happily recommend Justin to anyone dealing with ongoing pain. After seeing three different physios over the past 12 months for my lower back, things were actually getting worse. I kept being told to “stretch more,” but nothing was really improving.

Justin took a completely different approach. He really listened—both to what I was saying and to what my body was telling him. Instead of just treating the symptoms, he worked to understand and address the underlying causes of the pain.

The difference has been incredible. I can now move freely again without the constant discomfort that had become part of daily life.

Justin has been an absolute godsend. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with ongoing pain, I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Anastasya Lonergan profile picture
Anastasya Lonergan
4 months ago
I have been attending Movement Lab as a client of Alex May for pregnancy massage since my second trimester. The service has been really excellent. Alex is skilled, professional, friendly and holistic in his approach. I have really appreciated being able to go somewhere with a focus on client care and ensuring safe practice. Would seriously recommend!
Bianca Ducharme profile picture
Bianca Ducharme
4 months ago
I started seeing Justin for ongoing aches on the left side of my body — my neck, lower back, and hip. Previously, it felt like other physiotherapists focused only on the symptoms, but Justin took a completely different approach. He assessed and treated my body as a whole.

He began by addressing my nervous system and breathing patterns before introducing targeted exercises to correct muscle imbalances, along with craniosacral therapy. The difference has been significant.

I truly can’t recommend him enough. I only wish I had found him sooner. Each session has helped me better understand my body, and I finally feel empowered to move beyond the aches I’d been carrying for so long.
Briana Russell profile picture
Briana Russell
6 months ago
I was advised by my Obstetrician to see a physio and was seen by Emily, who was extremely knowledgable, friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout our assessment. She provided a clear outline for my ongoing treatment and answered all my questions clearly. I would highly recommend Movement Laboratory Physiotherapy, Leichhardt.
keisha galbraith profile picture
keisha galbraith
8 months ago
Had my first appointment with Emma yesterday as a newly pregnant woman with chronic pain. We went through my medical history in appropriate and not invasive detail.
I feel really good about moving forwards working with her.
Walking is MUCH easier today. Thank you
Erica Marquez profile picture
Erica Marquez
9 months ago
I’m pregnant and wanted to see a women’s specific physiotherapist to optimise my body for birth. I see EJ and I feel very comfortable with her. She conducts thorough assessments and listens to my concerns. Her support and encouragement is invaluable which always leaves me feeling empowered.

She explained every step of the treatment process clearly, ensuring I understood the purpose behind each exercise and technique.

I highly recommend this practice if you’re after a women’s focused physiotherapist. They even offer remedial massage which I am yet to book in.
sam yildirim profile picture
sam yildirim
10 months ago
I had an incredibly positive experience with my physiotherapy following surgery. From the very first session, the team was supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me recover. They created a personalised plan that really worked for me, and I noticed steady progress every week.
Thank you Movement Laboratory Leichhardt team.
tele jele profile picture
tele jele
3 years ago
Anastasia is the most wonderful physiotherapist who helped us recover and improve our mobility and strength in record time. Highly recommend!
Sara Page profile picture
Sara Page
3 years ago
I saw the lovely Shannon for my first consult today. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and patient. The lovely reception staff were also amazing! Thank you team!!
Emma Powell profile picture
Emma Powell
3 years ago
The team are so wonderful and lovely to be around. They make your recovery feel effortless and no set backs are ever taken negatively. Thanks team!
paul nelson profile picture
paul nelson
3 years ago
I have loved my visits to Movement Laboratory. Alannah has really helped me on my journey to overcome back pain. Highly recommend
Min Zhuo profile picture
Min Zhuo
3 years ago
Anastasia is very patient and informative in my daughter’s point assessment. It was great to have someone guide us through this journey. Thank you
Karla Komene profile picture
Karla Komene
3 years ago
This place was amazing I was so happy about how I was treated and looked after . I liked how everything was explained to me and it made sense . I was grateful when I told my symptoms to the lovely lady she knew what I was talking about and ways we could improve things and that I wasn’t alone. Also I felt that the environment was pleasant calm and relaxing which is what I needed. I have already taken a few work cards to pass out to some ladies I know . Thank you ???? Looking forward to moving forward
Mark Westman profile picture
Mark Westman
3 years ago
Anastasia is a miracle worker! I'm a keen runner and I started seeing her a few months ago after a couple of broken backs and a (new) torn hammy. She diagnosed my hammy problem quickly and efficiently, provided immediate relief through some deep massage to allow me to survive a few more important runs before my wedding (honeymoon = rest), and has helped me rebuild through focused strength work and home exercises. She obviously cares about her patients and enjoys helping them achieve their goals. I'm now running regularly and pain free again! Thanks Anastasia 🙂